Trump says Starmer will resign after ‘failing badly on immigration and energy’

US President Donald Trump said Sir Keir Starmer would “resign” as prime minister and accused him of “failing badly” on immigration and energy.

Mr Trump’s intervention comes as Sir Keir faces growing pressure to set a resignation timetable after Andy Burnham won the by-election.

Writing on social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, Mr Trump said: “Keir Starmer will resign as UK prime minister. He has failed badly on two very important issues – immigration and energy (Open North Sea oil!). I wish him good luck! President DJT”.

Since the duo did not speak this weekend, it is thought that the post was based on media reports.

Sir Keir is not the only leader to face criticism from Mr Trump this weekend after he lashed out at Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday.

Mr. Trump said Ms. Meloni “does poorly in Italy because of her level of popularity” and accused her of not supporting U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from “obtaining or developing nuclear weapons.”

Ms Meloni retaliated on Instagram, saying the US president’s “constant, unprovoked attacks” were “senseless”. He added: “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly didn’t help that, and it doesn’t depend on my relationship with you. My popularity is none of your business. I suggest you focus on your own popularity.”

As speculation grows about Sir Keir’s position, UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters on Sunday that the Labor leader was reflecting on the “political realities” he now faces. Mr Kyle has not spoken to the British prime minister since Friday, when he had a “public meeting”.

Asked about reports that Sir Keir could draw up a plan for his resignation as early as Monday, Mr Kyle told Trevor Phillips on Sky News’ Sunday Morning: “I have nothing to believe is true. I see a lot of speculation out there.”

“All I can truly say is that the Prime Minister is working as hard as he does every day.”

The No 10 said Sir Keir’s position had not changed since Friday, when he said he would “not walk away” from Downing Street and would join any potential contest.

But one source said Independent Sir Keir is said to be discussing a plan to hand over the Labor leadership to Mr Burnham in September.

The former Manchester mayor is understood to want to wait until September to become prime minister.

The transition will allow Sir Keir to “secure his legacy”, according to a source.